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Author: oluwafunke temitope Ishola

  • Physician calls for ban on ‘nylon water’ sale

     

    Water 

    By Oluwafunke Ishola 

     

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A General Physician, Dr Tunji Akintade, has called for a ban on sale of ‘nylon water’ to reduce the transmission of cholera disease in the country. 

     

    Akintade, former Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos. 

     

    NAN reports that due to the biting economic situation and the increased price of sachet water, some street traders emerged with the sale of nylon water as a cost-cutting measure for the public.

     

    Sachet water, popularly known as “pure water”, is being sold at N50 in most parts of Lagos, while nylon water is sold for N10 or N20, depending on the location. 

     

    Akintade appealed to the Federal Government to urgently restrict the sale of nylon water to reduce the transmission and deaths arising from cholera outbreak nationwide.

     

    The physician warned the public against consuming nylon water, stressing that the source and purification of such water was in doubt, especially as they are unregistered.  

     

    He disclosed that past tests had confirmed the contamination of some boreholes and well water by pathogens, emphasising that nylon water was unsafe for consumption. 

     

    “People can get cholera by drinking unsafe water or eating food contaminated with cholera bacteria. 

     

    “It’s so sad that people neglect their health because of financial concerns and some unscrupulous traders are cashing on it,” he said. 

     

    Akintade appealed to the government to intensify surveillance across communities and attach punitive measures for traders of nylon water toward safeguarding the health of citizens. 

     

    The physician also called for effective monitoring and regulations of pure water and bottled water factories to ensure they adhere to safety standards in their production. 

     

    He lamented the perennial cholera outbreak in the country, noting that cholera had ceased to be public health concerns in industrialised countries that deployed modern sewage and water treatment.

     

    Akintade urged the Federal and state governments to move beyond alerting the public about the unsafe conditions of the water source to expediting actions to improve access to clean and safe water through functional water boards.

     

    The physician stressed that doing that would mitigate the health risk associated with consumption of unsafe water, especially as rain and flooding are causing waterborne diseases in communities.

     

    He added that ingesting contaminated food could also cause cholera, advising the public to ensure vegetables and fruits are properly washed before eating and food produced in an hygienic environment.

     

    Akintade stressed the equipping of environmental inspection officers with improved training and equipment required to effectively monitor and clean the environment. 

     

    “The issue of revenue generation through them should be downplayed for them to achieve their core mandates, focusing on ways to generate money has trivialised their role,” he told NAN.

    Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

     

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on June 24 disclosed that 53 deaths and 1,528 suspected cholera cases were recorded across 31 states, since the beginning of 2024.

     

    Lagos state is the epicentre of the cholera outbreak with 29 fatalities, 579 suspected cases and 43 laboratory confirmed cases across multiple Local Government Areas in the state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AIO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Cholera: Avoid unregistered beverages, Lagos Govt. cautions citizens

    Cholera

    By Oluwafunke Ishola 

    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has warned the public to avoid unregulated and unregistered beverages to prevent ingesting contaminated drinks. 

    Abayomi gave the advice during a state multiagency news briefing and update on cholera outbreak on Monday in Lagos. 

    The commissioner said that history taken from the no fewer than 500 suspected cholera cases in the state showed that some of the patients indicated consuming some street beverages.

     He, however, said that the majority of patients talked about other forms of access to drinks, including sachet water, bottled water, carbonated drinks, noting that street beverages were common in the state. 

    “It is what a lot of people consume on their way to and from work or after school. So, it’s not surprising that a few of our suspected cases referred to the consumption of a beverage. 

    “However, liquid beverages are produced in a batch. And once the batch is produced, it is distributed and consumed. 

    “So, when we go back to a particular location where they are manufacturing street beverages, we may not find anything at all because the batch that was contaminated has been completely distributed.

    “My advice to the public is check the NAFDAC number of beverages bought on the street, if it’s not certified by NAFDAC, avoid it,” he warned. 

    Abayomi further said that the state would pay attention to the source of water used by manufacturers for their production, noting that efforts were ongoing to regulate activities of street manufacturers. 

    “First of all, we are trying to emphasise the fact that if you are going to manufacture anything for public consumption, you must be registered with NAFDAC,” he said. 

    According to him, the state is conducting tests on several beverages to identify the source of the cholera outbreak, noting that currently, results are yet to indicate a particular source. 

    He said that the state would introduce a Safe Plate and Safe Drinking Initiative to ensure safety of food and drinks produced in the state. 

    Speaking on cholera vaccination, Abayomi said the state was cautious about adding new vaccines, noting that there was a general global and national sensitivity around vaccines presently. 

    “We have to be very sure that the introduction of the oral cholera vaccine will actually make a difference before we expose you to a new vaccine. 

    “There is evidence that it is effective, but it needs to be repeated. It only lasts for a period of time.

    “In this situation, when our incidence of the cholera cases has completely subsided, it does not support the rollout of an oral cholera vaccination campaign,” he said. 

    Similarly, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, disclosed that no case of cholera was recorded in the state’s public and private schools. 

    Alli-Balogun said that an advisory had been issued to parents, guardians, and school authorities urging all to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of children against cholera. 

    Also, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, state Commissioner for Information, said open defecation was common in the state and posed a threat to citizens’ health. 

     Omotoso said the state government would provide new public toilets around the state to curb open defecation. 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos on June 11 alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases. 

    Abayomi, on June 15, disclosed that laboratory tests had confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.

    As at June 23, fatalities from the state’s cholera outbreak have risen to 29 deaths, 579 suspected cases, 43 laboratory confirmed cases across multiple Local Government Areas in the state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AIO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Cholera death toll rises to 29, infections 579 in Lagos

    Cholera
    By Oluwafunke Ishola
    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says fatalities from the state’s cholera outbreak have risen to 29 deaths and 579 suspected cases across multiple local government areas in the state.

    Abayomi announced this during a state multiagency news conference and update on cholera outbreak on Monday in Lagos.

    The commissioner also announced laboratory confirmation of 43 cases, noting that Lagos Island, Kosofe and Eti Osa, recorded the highest numbers of infections.

    “Most of these deaths were caused by patients presenting very late at a stage where we could not resuscitate them because they had severe dehydration, and many patients were actually brought in dead.

    “Out of all the samples we were able to collect, we were able to identify vebrio cholera.

    “So, this is indeed a confirmed case of the cholera outbreak by a subtype O1 that is known to us to be very contagious and to cause significant sickness in those that contract it.

    “Many children came down with cholera, many students, lots of traders, and artisans, those were the predominant cases and these we suspect are people that are in crowded areas,” he said.

    He said that the state recorded severe cases that led to fatalities due to severe dehydration, while some were resuscitated at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

    “Some of these cases their kidneys had shut down from the severe dehydration and at that facility, we had access to renal dialysis; so, we were able to wake the kidneys back up with renal dialysis and rehydrate them.

    “Those are the kinds of cases that we still have on admission because they were very, very severe. We were able to rescue them from dying,” he said.

    The commissioner further said that 30 patients were left on admission as of June 23, noting that the cases were declining in the state.

    Speaking on the distribution of cases based on visitation to health facilities, Abayomi said that 209 visited general hospitals; 193 primary healthcare centres; 152 private hospitals, military/police hospital 14, eight tertiary hospitals and 12 unknown health centres.

    Abayomi advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

    He stressed that immediate action on rehydration was key to survival, adding that oral rehydration salts (ORS) should be promptly introduced.

    The commissioner added that treatment for cholera was provided free of charge at all public health facilities in the state.

    On prevention measures, Abayomi advised citizens to drink safe water that’s boiled, treated, or bottled and eat food that’s thoroughly cooked and hot, and avoid raw foods.

    He advised citizens to maintain high hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean water regularly and using proper sanitation facilities and disposing of waste properly.

    The commissioner stressed that the state was intensifying its public health prevention campaigns to prevent a resurgence.

    Abayomi reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that residents of the state receive quality and affordable health care.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

    Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

    The health agency confirmed a cumulative death of 194, 897 deaths and 1,932 cases globally as a result of cholera outbreak in 24 countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AIO/VIV
    ======
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Epidemiologist warns against use of carbonated drink, seasoning for cholera treatment

    Treatment 

    By Oluwafunke Ishola 

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) An Epidemiologist, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, has warned Nigerians against using mixture of carbonated drink and seasoning cubes as prevention and treatment measures for cholera disease.

    Olugbogi, former Head of NMA Lagos COVID-19 response and Medical Officer of Health at Ifelodun LCDA, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos. 

    He gave the warning in response to several social media posts touting the use of Coca-Cola and Maggi combination as a prevention and treatment for cholera. 

    Olugbogi said the mixture was not a medical solution, noting that toxicology tests from the combination might be harmful for the health and well-being of individuals. 

    “That combination I believe is more expensive than using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). Why would anybody want to substitute ORS for Maggi and Coca-Cola?.

    “That’s alarming. ORS is a solution that’s tested, proven and trusted to treat cholera or diarrhea or gastroenteritis disease. 

    “If somebody has hypoglycemia (low sugar), of course, the individual can be given Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, Miranda or Fanta or any of those carbonated drinks but in measured doses.

    “Combining Coca-Cola with Maggi for cholera treatment is not a medical solution,” he said.

    The public health expert emphasised that cholera could be easily treated through prompt administration of ORS or preparing the salt and sugar solution to help individuals.

    He recalled that during the  COVID-19 and Ebola outbreak, some people promoted using salt water to bathe as a cure for the diseases, stressing that it was a hoax that caused complications and death to some individuals. 

    Olugbogi cautioned the public against practicing things seen online, stressing that health advisory from physicians and health regulators should be strictly adhered to, to  ensure health safety. 

    On preventive measures against cholera, Olugbogi advised that people washed their hands with soap and running water, before and after eating, and after using the toilet. 

    “Washing our hands with soap and water alone is a huge step in controlling and preventing this viral outbreak.

    “Apart from that, people should ensure they keep their waste safely in containers away from flies because flies pick up germs and bacteria from the waste or fecal matter and drop them when they perch on food items.

    “We should also dispose of refuse properly, maintaining good hygienic practices is critical to reduce transmission of cholera,” he said. 

    He advised that vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly before consuming them and water boiled before drinking. 

    Olugbogi advised that proper washing of utensils such as spoons, cups, plates, glass cups, mugs, before eating with them.

    “Cholera is transmitted from contaminated hand to mouth; so, if we can clean our hands, utensils and any item containing things that we put in our mouth, then we can prevent cholera from spreading,” he said. 

    Data from Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) show that Nigeria recorded no fewer than 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths from Jan. 1 to June 11, 2024 in 30 states, NAN reports.

    Lagos State on June 11,  alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases leading to 60 hospitalisations and five deaths mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on June 15,  disclosed that laboratory tests confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.

    As at June 20, Lagos cholera outbreak had increased to 21 fatalities and 401 infections from multiple LGAs in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AIO/CHOM/VIV

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

     

     

     

  • Firm promotes installment payments to deepen inclusive economy

    Installment 

    By Oluwafunke Ishola 

     

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A property technology company, SmallSmall, says it has evolved mechanisms to drive adoption of installment payments across several industries in the country.

     

    Mr Tunde Balogun, Chief Executive Officer, Small Small Technology, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

     

    Balogun emphasised that it was critical for businesses to adopt installment payments to ensure sustainable growth and provide a much needed succor for the Nigerian middle class, whose purchasing power was being eroded by inflation. 

     

    “Nigeria has been a cash based economy for decades and this model is now outdated and working against our economy. 

     

    “The demand to pay for everything in cash has fueled a lot of ills in our society including greed and corruption. 

     

    “In Nigeria, we brag about paying for things in cash, and when we are faced with a tough economy as we have now, everybody goes into hiding and eats their breakfast in silence. 

     

    “Why don’t we adopt consumption models that are sustainable and promote an inclusive economy for everyone, which will ultimately allow us to grow our market size and GDP as a country?,” he said. 

     

    Balogun said SmallSmall’s pioneering and award winning products, RentSmallSmall and BuySmallSmall, have transformed the way Nigerians rent and buy properties.

     

    He emphasised that companies offering installment payment should have proper structure that allows it to capture the customers’ repayment history and log them into a central credit bureau system.

     

    “This way, Nigeria can have a robust credit database showing citizens’ credit history and credit worthiness,” he said. 

     

    To deepen its adoption, Balogun said it would host the first-ever installment payment Fair in Nigeria showcasing the transformative power of installment payment solutions across diverse industries.

     

    According to him, the fair is a platform for hundreds of companies offering installment payment to meet and sell directly to over 5,000 credit worthy consumers in person, all under one roof.

     

    Balogun emphasised that the event scheduled to hold in Lagos on August 17 underscores the importance of ensuring that the middle class remains relevant, as a critical asset to the progress and future of the economy.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng) 

    AIO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Deaths increase to 21, infections 401 in Lagos cholera outbreak

    Cholera 

    By Oluwafunke Ishola 

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government says the number deaths from cholera outbreak in the state has increased from 15 to 21, while infections  increased to 401 from 350. 

     

    The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the rise in cases was anticipated following the Eid-el Kabir celebration, in which large gatherings occurred.

     

    Ogunyemi made the disclosure in an update released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs in the state’s ministry of health on Thursday in Lagos. 

     

    She said the cases increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections.

     

    Ogunyemi, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across local government areas (LGAs), particularly in previously affected LGAs due to state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.

     

    She gave the update on the outbreak after meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

     

    “The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination. 

     

    “We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

     

    “We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return. 

     

    “Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera,” she said. 

     

    Ogunyemi advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

     

    She added that treatment for cholera was provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

     

    Ogunyemi reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care.

     

    The Special Adviser commended local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others—for their support in combating the outbreak.

     

    “Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” Ogunyemi said.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos on June 11 alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases. 

     

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on June 15 disclosed that laboratory tests have confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.

     

    Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in the state.

     

    According to him, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities.

     

    Data from Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that Nigeria recorded over 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths from January 1 to June 11, 2024 in 30 states. (NAN) 

     

    AIO//VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Cholera: Lagos issues health advisory to parents, schools

    Schools

    By Oluwafunke Ishola
    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has called for adherence to precautionary measures to ensure children’s safety amid the cholera outbreak as schools resume from the mid-term and Sallah break.
    The government in an advisory issued on Monday to parents, guardians, and school authorities urged all to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of children.
    It called for daily health checks and monitoring of a child’s health for symptoms such as passage of frequent watery stool with or without vomiting.
    The government appealed to parents to keep their children at home if they exhibit any signs of illness and seek medical advice.
    The state called for hand hygiene by ensuring a child carries a hand sanitizer and encouraging frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
    It advised schools to ensure that all school food handlers follow strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination and spread of cholera.
    “Ensure that Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are available at school clinics or bays to manage dehydration cases promptly.
    “Schools should notify the emergency hotlines immediately in case of any health emergency or suspected cholera cases,” it said.
    The government appealed to parents to stay in touch with their children’s school for updates on health guidelines and report any health concerns to the school promptly.
    “Together, we can create a safe and healthy environment for our children as they return to their educational activities.
    “Stay safe and vigilant,” the government advised.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos state on June 11 alerted residents to the outbreak of cholera in the state.
    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had disclosed that laboratory tests confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.
    Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas in the state.
    According to him, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities.
    NAN reports that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had called for extensive measures to protect school children against the cholera outbreak in the country.
    UNICEF said cholera “critically affects” children and the young population, noting that efforts should be made to protect them.
    The agency called for efforts to prevent disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AIO/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Lagos Island epicentre of Lagos cholera outbreak- Health Commissioner

    Cholera

    By Oluwafunke Ishola 

    Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says Lagos Island has the highest number of suspected cholera cases with 106 cases out of the 350 suspected cases in the state. 

    Abayomi made the disclosure on Monday through his official X account @profakinabayomi while giving an update of the state’s cholera outbreak. 

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

    Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

    Abayomi disclosed that laboratory tests have confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.

    Speaking on the morbidity and mortality, Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

    According to him, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities.

    The commissioner further said that geographical distribution of suspected cases by LGAs revealed that Lagos Island was the epicentre of the outbreak with 106 cases; followed by Kosofe 49; Eti-Osa 38; Lagos mainland 30 and Ojo 17.

    Other LGAs affected are Ikorodu 16; Kosofe 16; Shomolu 11, Surulere has nine; Apapa -eight; Mushin-eight; Ifako Ijaiye -eight; Mushin -five; Alimosho -four; Ajeromi Ifelodun -four; Oshodi-Isolo -three; Ikeja three; Ibeju Lekki -two; Badagry -two; and Amuwo-Odofin -one.

    “Through community-based case finding and contact tracing, we have observed that the number of cases has peaked and is now significantly declining,” he said. 

    He stressed that the state was intensifying its public health prevention campaigns to prevent a resurgence.

    According to him, suspected cases are receiving free treatment at the state’s public health facilities, in line with public health response protocols.

    Abayomi said that the state was receiving support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and International partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF. 

    He added that local non-governmental organisations are actively involved in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.

    On cholera causes and transmission, Abayomi disclosed that cholera is caused by contaminated water and food and transmission common in areas with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene.

    He said that common symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, thirst and muscle cramps. 

    “Symptoms can appear within a few hours to five days after infection,” he warned. 

    On prevention measures, Abayomi advised citizens to drink safe water that’s boiled, treated, or bottled and  eat food that’s thoroughly cooked and hot, and avoid raw foods. 

    He advised citizens to maintain high hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean water regularly and using proper sanitation facilities and disposing of waste properly. 

    Speaking on treatment, Abayomi stressed that immediate action on rehydration was key, adding that oral rehydration salts (ORS) are crucial. 

    He added that medical treatment would be required for severe cases that may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

    Abayomi advised the public to seek prompt medical help if symptoms occur and report any suspected cases to health hotlines: 08023169485 08137412348, or call 767 or 112. (NAN)

    AIO/VIV

    ===

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Cholera: Improve nationwide access to WASH, gastroenterologist appeals to govts

    Cholera
    By Oluwafunke Ishola

    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) A Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Mbang Kooffreh-Ada, says adequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains the sustainable solution to reducing the transmission of cholera cases and deaths in the country.

    Kooffreh-Ada, who works at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    A gastroenterologist is a medical practitioner, who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and related organs, NAN reports.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

    Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

    Kooffreh-Ada, however, warned that, “medical interventions alone won’t solve the underlying issues leading to cholera outbreaks”, stressing that cholera is an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.

    She stressed the need for the government at all levels to prioritise access to potable water for citizens through the establishment of water boards to supply clean and hygiene pipe borne water to homes.

    “We’re in the middle of the rainy season and you have a lot of runoff water from the heavy downpour, which can contaminate water sources, especially in communities where they practice is defecation.

    “Many households do not have access to clean pipe borne public water supply from water boards in each of the states where water engineers chlorinate and purify the water.

    “Creating a functioning water board in all states would be an avenue to nip this particular problem in the bud,” she said.

    The gastroenterologist stressed that open defecation and indiscriminate sewage disposal should be discouraged and laws to punish defaulters put in place to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.

    She noted that seepage could percolate down and contaminate underground water, thus appealing to borehole engineers to dig deep to prevent contamination of underground water sources.

    Kooffreh-Ada noted that fecal-oral transmission was the main driving force behind cholera in most communities, advising the public to boil water to boiling points to kill the pathogens before drinking or cooking with it.

    “Some people actually use human waste as manure; so, I always tell my patients that if you are going to prepare meals, especially with vegetables or fruits, make sure you wash them very well under running water.

    “If you’re cooking them, you cook to the point where the organism can possibly be killed,” she advised.

    The gastroenterologist emphasised that cholera could be easily treated through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS) or preparing the salt and sugar solution to help the person.

    She said that the WHO/UNICEF’s ORS standard sachet should be dissolved in one litre of clean water for children, while adult patients might require up to six litres of ORS to treat moderate dehydration on the first day.

    Kooffreh-Ada noted that severely dehydrated patients were required to take the rapid administration of intravenous fluids and appropriate antibiotics under the supervision of healthcare professionals to reduce diarrhea duration and dehydration.

    She advised the public to promptly report all cholera cases at nearby health facilities for proper supervision and management to improve patient’s survival.

    The gastroenterologist stressed that primary healthcare centres should be adequately equipped, especially with IV infusions, antibiotics and medical personnel to cater for patients with cholera.

    She stressed the need for citizens to embrace frequent handwashing, improve hygiene in their homes, and environment to prevent infection with cholera.

    NAN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on June 12, hinted of increasing cholera cases nationwide, with recorded 30 deaths and 65 confirmed cases of cholera.

    NCDC said the cases were reported from 96 local government areas(LGAs) in 30 states between January and June 11, 2024.

    The agency disclosed that 10 states contributed 90 per cent to the burden of cholera listing the states to include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on June 11, alerted residents of the state of cholera outbreak resulting in five fatalities and 60 hospitalisation in four LGAs of the state.

    Abayomi disclosed that fatalities recorded were from patients with severe gastroenteritis presented late at health facilities with extreme dehydration.

    He called for heightened vigilance and adoption of precautionary measures, disclosing that the state had activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response to check the transmission of the disease. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AIO/KOO/VIV
    ========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vivian Ihechu

  • Sallah: LASG urges caution as cholera death toll hits 15

    Cholera:

    Cholera
    By Oluwafunke Ishola
    Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says fatalities from the cholera outbreak in the state have increased to 15, while calling for caution during Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
    Abayomi said this in a statement on Saturday.
    He disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities.
    “The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed cholera sub type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease.
    “The pattern of new cases per day varies across Local government areas, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
    “Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected local government areas due to our interventions and surveillance efforts.
    “However, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected local government areas, signaling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures,” he said.
    The commissioner said that the state had activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, in response to the outbreak.
    He said that the PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas of the state.
    “The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
    “We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the state. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of oral rehydration solutions, public health education campaigns,” he said.
    Abayomi said that a high-level team from the state Ministry of Health just concluded a meeting with the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Jide Idris, and his team, and key partners from the World Health Organisation to ensure all interventions are optimised.
    Abayomi appealed to residents to support the state government’s efforts by adhering strictly to precautionary measures and cooperating with health authorities.
    He also urged residents to participate in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the transmission of cholera, especially during the Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
    “During this Sallah festive season, residents are advised to drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitiser, and avoid crowded places.
    “Reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately is also crucial to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of the community.
    “Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of governments standard public health response,” he said.
    He restated the state’s commitment in intensifying efforts to control the disease outbreak.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state on June 11 alerted residents to a severe gastroenteritis outbreak in four local government areas leading to 60 hospitalisation, and five deaths mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.
    Communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe Local Government Areas of the state were affected in the outbreak. (NAN)
    AIO/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma